St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. John Compton, undertook a packed four-day official visit to Jamaica, filled with high-level engagements. He met with Prime Minister Edward Seaga, toured the Kingston Free Zone, and attended the national flag-raising ceremony. His itinerary also included a state dinner, cultural celebrations, and discussions on regional matters, underscoring the importance of his visit during Jamaica’s 25th Independence anniversary.

Published Thursday, August 6,1987

Compton arrives in fine style

 Jets in aboard ‘plane named after ‘Miss Universe’

St. Lucia's Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. John Compton, and his wife arrived in Jamaica yesterday for a four-day official visit, during which they will join Jamaicans in celebrating the 25th anniversary of independence from Britain. He is visiting in his capacity as the current chairman of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference.
Mr. Compton and his wife were met on the tarmac of the Norman Manley International Airport by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga and Mrs. Seaga, members of the Cabinet and their wives, as well as diplomats from several countries.

On a cloudy day with the threat of rain, the BWIA DC-9 aircraft — named after the Trinidad and Tobago beauty who won the 1977 Miss Universe contest, Janelle Penny Commissiong — brought the St. Lucian leader and his wife to Jamaica at approximately 3 p.m., 50 minutes later than scheduled. Mr. Compton, dressed in a light brown suit, emerged a few minutes before his wife, who wore a long-sleeved pink dress.

After inspecting a Guard of Honour made up of officers and men from the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard, under the direction of Acting Commander Major George Overton, Mr. Compton took the salute and then met the ministers and diplomats assembled on the tarmac.

Later, he left by helicopter for King’s House with Prime Minister Seaga, while Mrs. Compton travelled by car with Mrs. Seaga to the Wyndham Hotel in New Kingston, where the visiting couple will be staying.

After meeting the Governor-General, Mr. Compton proceeded to Jamaica House, where he held discussions with Mr. Seaga on issues of international importance. That evening, Mr. Seaga hosted a dinner in his honour at Jamaica House.

Today, Mr. Compton is scheduled to attend a flag-raising ceremony at Jamaica House at 9:00 a.m. and tour the Kingston Free Zone at 10:30 a.m. He will be the luncheon guest of the Hon. J. A. G. Smith, Minister of Labour, Leader of the House of Representatives, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Jamaica), at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Tonight, he and his wife will be special guests at the anniversary celebration of Jamaica’s independence —"Great Moments: A Salute to Jamaica 25"— at the National Stadium.

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